Saudi Arabia Discovers Moderate Alcoholism is Good For Business
The Independent hails Saudi Arabia's 'liberalization' as diplomatic customers brave lines for pricey hooch. What they skip is how Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is rebranding the kingdom, not for genuine social freedom, but for foreign investment and tourism—all while maintaining an iron grip. This isn't about personal liberty; it's about making Saudi Vision 2030 palatable to Western
investors and, presumably, their expense accounts. One might wonder if this carefully curated 'alcohol expansion' is a test balloon, paving the way for larger ventures as Saudi's oil-based economy prepares for its global debut as a 'modern' hub. The same MBS who jailed women's rights activists and dismembered journalists (allegedly, of course, according to U.S. intelligence) now just wants to
ensure diplomats can unwind. How very practical. It seems 'reform' often means 'more lucrative authoritarianism.'